The communication mechanism and emotional connection of 'cloud companion' socialization: A qualitative analysis based on Xiaohongshu interest communities
Qi Chen
Wuhan Textile University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/pmcs.v8i1.13422
Keywords: cloud companion; digital socialization; Xiaohongshu; emotional connection; interest communities; qualitative analysis
Abstract
This study looks at a new kind of social activity called "cloud companion" (yún dā zi) on Xiaohongshu, which is a very popular place where people share their lifestyles in China. It focuses on how individuals communicate and establish emotional closeness when participating in interest-based communities. By doing a close study of things people create, how they talk to each other, and what groups do on the internet, we look at how new forms of friendship and collaborative leisure emerge and evolve in virtual spaces. In this study, I use a comprehensive qualitative research method which involves analyzing a total of 500 postings, conducting in-depth interviews with 20 active participants, as well as participating in observation for a period of six months. It indicates that Cloud Companion relationships have low levels of commitment, high levels of flexibility, interesting connections and fulfill some social and emotional needs. The mechanism of communication is through strategic self-presentation, reciprocal engagement, and algorithmic facilitation of emotional connections are established through sharing experiences, empathetic engagements, temporal syncing. It helps us understand what is going on with the Internet today, particularly for younger Chinese people looking for other ways to be together online where they can share themselves but stay independent too. It also has consequences for social media platform design, the management of digital communities, and the wider debate about technology-mediated relationships in our society today.
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